African “Tree of Life” as a New Ecological Resource
Sunday, August 10th, 2008Villagers in Senegal have always known about the health benefits of the majestic Baobab Tree, an ancient ecological treasure which is scattered across the African savannas. Some of these ancient trees are said to date back to the time of Christ. A new company, PhytoTrade Africa has now been established to protect the trees as a natural resource, and also provide a new source of sustainable fair-trade revenue for local villagers, who plan to export the fruits and their products to European and World markets. Already between 150 and 200 tons of the Baobab fruit are being collected from each harvest. Scientists estimate that the fruit has three times the amount of Vitamin C as oranges and more calcium than a glass of milk. According to the International Centre for Underutilized Crops at the University of Southhampton, the Baobab is the “Fruit of the Future,” since it is rich in Vitamins C, B1, B2, and Calcium, and chock-full of antioxidants. To read the full story. CLICK HERE.
